great Binocular for Outdoor

SENGVIN

SENGVIN

Joined
Oct 18, 2011
Messages
870
Hi guys looking for to buy some good Binocular for around +- $1000 for outdoor but don't know anything about it, would like to purchase some good one for long distance view :-) also be able to see in dark(if that is possible ) . Please let me know what is out there . Thanks
 
Save your $ and don't spend more than $600. Your eye cannot pick up the differences and your pupils do not dialate large enough to fully utilize the larger objectives. The models in the $400 and up range normally all have the same glass. As long as all lenses are fully coated then you are maximizing your $ and what your eye can utilize. I say spend the remaining $ on a spotting scope with higher magnification. I've hunted for years with Nikon ATB's 10x42's and a Leupold 15x45x60 spotting scope.
 
If your looking for long distance I would look into the Canon Image Stabilized Binoculars, they are excellent for the money. I think the better one is Canon 10x42 L IS WP Waterproof Image Stabilized Vari-Angle Prism Binoculars. If your looking for something compact that you can take with you without thinking about it then these "Zeiss Victory Compact 8x20 T* Binocular" you will absolutely Love. Good Luck in your Quest.
 
Last edited:
SENGVIN said:
Hi guys looking for to buy some good Binocular for around +- $1000 for outdoor but don't know anything about it, would like to purchase some good one for long distance view :-) also be able to see in dark(if that is possible ) . Please let me know what is out there . Thanks
Click to expand...

Hmm, lots to discuss about binoculars. You could start by wandering over to a bird forum or astronomy forum and do lots of reading there. But I'll toss out a couple ideas. First understand what your primary objective (no pun intended) is: recreational viewing, hunting, birding, astronomy, etc. Second, understand the terminology such as 7 x 35. The first number is the magnification, the second number is the diameter of the objective lens (big one in front) in millimeters. Also realize you can get some great binoculars for much less than $1000.

I have several: 8 x 30 for woods walking, 10 x 50 for shore birding, a larger pair of 15 x 70 for astronomy, and more. Important to remember that anything over 10x will probably need a tripod for support, the shake/tremble of your hand makes viewing more difficult at these higher magnifications. You could get Image Stabilization, as mentioned earlier, but they do get rather pricey. I've never tried a pair of those, but Canon is king in that realm.

Recommendations? I'd start simple and get a pair of Nikon/Pentax 7 x 35, 8 x 40 or 10 x 50, Porro prism, waterproof and fully multicoated. If you really want to drop a grand or more, start looking at Zeiss, Leica, or Swarovski. Remember, higher magnification means a narrower field of view, over 10X get a tripod, NEVER touch the glass with your fingers. Further reading should include topics such as exit pupil, true field of view (TFoV), apparent field of view (AFoV), porro prism, roof prism, etc. Avoid zoom binoculars. Visit one of the New York camera sites and browse the binoculars there and read reviews. Good luck!
 
In my opinion, those Pentax bins are too large for a survival kit, and 20X is too much magnification. Stick with the 10 x 50, or even go a little smaller to 8 x 40. I have the 10x50 PCF WP II by the way, good lower priced binoculars, but they are not small. If you need small and light for a BOB (bug out bag) or survival kit, look for a smaller pair.
 
Whatever you buy, try to test them outside evening by looking at bright star. A great pair of binoculars (irrespective of size or type) should be able to resolve the star to a tiny point of light. Also, make sure that you are not seeing double, if there is a collimation issue you will see two stars instead of one. You will be surprised how much variation there can be within different examples of the same brand and model of binoculars, even with expensive binoculars.

n2s
 
Swarovski CL Companion 10x30's will cost you about $1000.00. I looked through a pair of 10x50's and there has been nothing else that's come close to the overall quality and clarity. Unless
you want to pay $3000.00 for a pair of Leica's. Steiner's Predator C5 has what you're looking for as well.
 
+1 RWT. A colony varmint shooter I use binoculars to locate same, at range. Since we have no PD's in FL, that on an annual trip and use for >8 hr days for 5-10 days straight. Spotting scope is a pain to use for that purpose and just extra gear to pack. It is very POOR form to scan fields through your rifle's scope [ don't point firearms at anything you are not willing to destroy applies here].

I use a Nikon ATB 8X42..good glass and Nikon like others build good stuff.

Reminded of the old Sears ads for various quality goods - Good, Better, Best. Pick the one that matches your actual probable use and enjoy.

Best.
 
Check out a company called Zen Ray. It is American owned but chicom made. Very nice optics.
 
There are some really nice binoculars made today that either compare to or even beat some of the high class German brands. Vortex is one.
The Vortex Optics Viper HD 8x42 are outstanding and cost about $600. The Nikon 8x42mm Premier Binoculars are as good as any and better
then most. Sometimes you can find them for $1000.

Over the years, I have owned binoculars made by Zeiss, Leica, Minox, Nikon and Swarovski. They are all excellent, but I sold them all. My current
binoculars are Swift Eaglet 7x36. I paid $250 for them. The optics snobs may look down their noses at these, but I compared them side by Zeiss and
Swarovski. I don't see 10¢ worth of difference let alone $1000. If you want 10 power, the Swift Premier HP Eaglet Binocular 10x42 sells for less the $500
and are excellent.

You won't be able to see in the dark with normal optical binoculars. You will need some sort of night vision device for that. Anything decent will cost $2K and up.


You might check out this site. There are few people who are fussier about their optics then bird watchers.

http://www.betterviewdesired.com/
 
Last edited:
I am a huge Swarovski fan and will own no other binocular but I understand their not for everyone and won't argue with those that disagree. For your price range I would buy the latest top of the line from Zen Ray and never look back.
 
UffDa mentioned Swift, I will say that I owned a pair of 8.5X44 Swift Audubons and optically they were excellent. However, I dropped them off of the rail of my ATV trailer and it knocked them out of alignment. I sent them back to Swift's warranty company in Texas and after a charge of $136.00 they were still out of alignment. Their warranty shop sucks and that turned me off to them forever.
 
If you are looking for something for your BOB than I would recommend you look at a good monocular. Swarovski and Zeiss make some outstanding ones for a few hundred bucks. If you are looking for a pair of binoculars I would still recommend either of the aforementioned brands.
 
rick melear said:
UffDa mentioned Swift, I will say that I owned a pair of 8.5X44 Swift Audubons and optically they were excellent. However, I dropped them off of the rail of my ATV trailer and it knocked them out of alignment. I sent them back to Swift's warranty company in Texas and after a charge of $136.00 they were still out of alignment. Their warranty shop sucks and that turned me off to them forever.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, warranty work is hit and miss these days. I saw a Leitz binocular that was sent to Leica for repair and it came back with a large glob of grease on one of the prisms. On the other hand, I sent a scope back to Leupold and they sent me a new one. I won't even go into the details of my horror story in dealing with Smith & Wesson. :eek: Need electronics fixed? Forget it.

BTW, the Swarovski binocular that I had was fine except for two things. The lens caps were a PETA and the focusing knobs were backwards. You focused the right eyepiece with your index finger and the main focusing was done with your ring finger. I never got used to it. I haven't looked at Swarovski in years. Maybe they fixed that.


Like everything else these days, you pays your money and takes your chances. Most good quality roof prism binoculars are pretty tough, but there are limits to how much abuse they can take.
 
For a $1000 you could probably hire someone to run up ahead and come back and tell you what they saw. That dollar amount seems a bit much for anyone but a tactical professional. But, I could be wrong.
 
Save your money. Get a pair of Steiner 8x30G Military/Marine. About $200-$250. Porro prism. Individual focus. Lightweight for your kit. I think they're listed as 17 ounces. I've been using a pair for about 15 or 20 years now. Mine didn't come with a case, but they might include a case now...not sure.
Be aware that Steiner makes several models of 8x30 binoculars. They are not all alike.
 
As a sailor I stick with my 7X50s as just a good all around Mag and FOV.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top